Chapter 27, Problem 13TE

To determine

The types of boundaries that are associated with seafloor spreading centers.

Answer to Problem 13TE

Seafloor spreading is associated with divergent plate boundaries.

Explanation of Solution

The massive mid-ocean ridge system is a continuous rand of underwater volcanoes that wraps around the globe. The majority of the system is underwater, with an averages water depth to the top of the ridge of $2500\text{ meters}$.

There are three types of plate tectonic boundaries are, Divergent. Convergence, and Transform plate boundaries. A divergent boundary takes place when two tectonic plates move away from each other. The magma from the Earth’s mantle rises up and after solidifying creates new oceanic crust.

Mid-ocean ridges occur along divergent plate boundaries where the new ocean floor is created as the earth’s tectonic plates spread apart. As the plates separate, the molten rock rises to the seafloor that produces enormous volcanoes eruption.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Seafloor spreading is associated with divergent plate boundaries.